By Brian Sveistrup
The first experimental results of using microwave instruments, e.g. radar and radiometers etc. for detection anmonitoring of human vital signs like heartbeat and respiratory activity was published in the 1970s. Since then, numerous publications have treated this subject in order to establish the fundamental theory and to test the viability of such a non-contact vital signs instrument.
The human respiratory and heartbeat movements are relatively slow and thus require state-of-the-art phase-noise
instrument architectures and components. The purpose of the PhD project is to design, implement and verify a
compact, low-power radar-based instrument, using commercially available components in conjunction with MMIC
technology to design some of the most critical components.
The applications are many. One example is to use the instrument for monitoring patients at hospitals for increasing patient mobility and ease the use of such instruments for staff.
Completed: 2012